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Traffic fatalities in 2010 have dropped to their lowest level since 1949, according to early projections from the Department of Transportation (DOT). The 32,788 deaths last year marks a 3 percent decrease from 2009 and 25 percent drop since 2005. In numbers, that is a rate of 1.09 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, down from 1.13 fatalities for 2009. This decline has occurred even though the national vehicle miles travelled has increased to nearly 21 billion miles.
Looking at the regions with the largest drop in fatalities, the Pacific Northwest (including Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington) had the greatest decline with a 12 percent decrease. On the other coast, the Northeast region's fatalities increased 18 percent (which includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont). The North Central and New York regions showed 3.9 percent and 2 percent increases, respectfully. However, the DOT did not speculate or cite reasons for the increases in this "early estimates" report.
The DOT credits their various safety initiates, laws, and enforcement for the decrease in traffic fatalities, such as their push to reduce distracted driving, more rigorous crash test ratings, and encouraging automakers to develop safer vehicles with technologies such as electronic stability control, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning systems.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says the drop in roadway deaths proves they can save lives, but still too many people are killed in these preventable crashes.
—Liza Barth
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